Rolette Man Sentenced for Fugitive in Possession Charge

BISMARCK—Acting United States Attorney Lynn Jordheim announced that on April 23, 2010, Michael H. Reed, 49, of Rolette, North Dakota, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Daniel L. Hovland on one count of possession of firearm and ammunition by a fugitive from justice. Reed was found guilty by a federal jury on January 28, 2010.

Judge Hovland sentenced Reed to 18 months in federal prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. Reed was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victim's Fund.

In November 2008, Reed was arrested in Clark County, Nevada (Las Vegas) for possession of controlled substance with intent to sell and transport of a controlled substance, felony drug offenses. He posted bond and was released. On March 11, 2009, Reed failed to appear for a preliminary hearing in Nevada state court on those charges, and an arrest warrant was issued. Law enforcement officials became aware of Reed’s presence in North Dakota, in May 2009, while investigating another matter. Reed was arrested on June 10, 2009, in Rolette, North Dakota, on the Nevada warrant.

While incarcerated and awaiting extradition to Nevada, Reed made threatening statements about getting his gun. A search warrant was obtained for a building in Rolette, where law enforcement officials found a 9 mm handgun and ammunition. Because of the Nevada warrant, Reed was a fugitive from justice and prohibited from possessing the firearm and ammunition.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Rolette County Sheriff’s Department.

Assistant United States Attorney David Hagler prosecuted the case.